Autism Spectrum

This graduate-level certificate offers a specialized program of study for professionals seeking to gain expertise in supporting the unique needs of learners on the autism spectrum in diverse settings. Through participation in coursework that includes embedded field experiences, candidates will acquire applied knowledge of current theory, research, and practice to guide them in working with individuals on the autism spectrum from early childhood to adulthood. The certificate is designed for current graduate students or post-graduate professionals from a variety of disciplines. Candidates may include educators, therapists, advocates, family members, adults who identify on the autism spectrum, and others from a variety of fields and backgrounds.

Admission to the Graduate Certificate

To be admitted to the Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate, students must meet the same standards as candidates for a master’s degree program in Special Education or provide evidence of advanced graduate training (master’s or higher degree) in special education or a related field.

To apply, prospective students submit applications to the Department of Special Education following admission requirements, including a minimum 3.0 GPA, two professional letters of reference, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, current résumé, statement of purpose documenting interest in the program, and interview with faculty. Students currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in Special Education or a related field at SFSU may apply by submitting a Certificate Approved Program form to the Department of Special Education.

Completion of the Certificate

  • The student must maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA to continue in and complete the program.

  • Written English Proficiency Requirement

  • Students must meet the Written English proficiency requirement by demonstrating competence through a written examination during the first semester of enrollment and the completion of a written paper.

Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate - 12 units

Course #  Course Title  Units
 SPED 791 Nature of Autism Spectrum 3
 SPED 825 Communication, Behavior and Instruction: Autism 3
 SPED 794 Socialization and Imagination: Autism  
 Elective Course Upon Advisement. 3
  Total Units 12
 

About the Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate

This graduate-level certificate offers a specialized program of study for professionals seeking to gain expertise in supporting the unique needs of learners on the autism spectrum in diverse settings. Through participation in coursework that includes embedded field experiences, candidates will acquire applied knowledge of current theory, research, and practice to guide them in working with individuals on the autism spectrum from early childhood to adulthood. The certificate is designed for current graduate students or post-graduate professionals from a variety of disciplines. Candidates may include educators, therapists, advocates, family members, adults who identify on the autism spectrum, and others from a variety of fields and backgrounds.

Who May Apply

Prospective Students

  • Applicants seeking admission to any graduate degree program in special education or a related field may concurrently apply for admission to pursue the Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate.
  • Applicants who already possess a graduate degree in special education or any related field may apply for admission to the Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate at any time.

Currently Enrolled Graduate Students

  • Students currently enrolled in any graduate degree program in special education or a related field at SFSU may apply for admission to the Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate at any time.

Application Process

Prospective Students

New applicants are required to submit applications to both the University and the Department of Special Education.

The Department application includes the following:

  • demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
  • two professional letters of reference
  • official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
  • current resume
  • statement of purpose documenting interest in the program

Currently Enrolled Graduate Students

Applicants who are currently enrolled in a master's degree program in Special Education, Speech Language and Hearing Sciences or a related field at SFSU are required to fill out and submit a preliminary Certificate Approved Program form (click here for  to the Department of Special Education (Burk Hall 156) where it will be placed on file.

Plan of Study

The Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate offers a comprehensive plan of study comprising specialized courses that are linked to highly relevant field experiences and portfolio documentation for demonstrating professional competencies in autism spectrum related knowledge and skills.

Core Autism Spectrum Courses (12 units)

    SPED 791 Nature of Autism Spectrum (3 units) - Fall & Spring semesters
    SPED 825 Communication, Behavior and Instruction: Autism (3 units) - Fall & Spring semesters
    SPED 794 Socialization and Imagination: Autism (3 units) - Spring semester
    Note: SPED 791 or 825 is a prerequisite for SPED 794
    Elective (graduate-level seminar with faculty approval) (3 units)

*See SFSU Bulletin for course descriptions (Go to the SFSU Bulletin)

Field Experiences

Field experiences explicitly support opportunities to apply theoretical constructs, conduct and interpret assessments, and design and implement curriculum, instruction and intervention practices with diverse learners on the autism spectrum in a variety of educational and therapeutic contexts.

Field experiences are closely aligned with each of the four Autism Spectrum certificate courses.. While participating in the program, candidates conduct a total of 100 hours of field experience (averaging 25 hours per course).

The majority of field experiences may be carried out in a respective school, clinic or program site where a candidate is working or has access to engaging with learners on the autism spectrum. Candidates who are not working with this population, or otherwise do not have access to learners on the autism spectrum, will be supported by faculty to identify appropriate settings among our partner school, clinical and community field sites.

While conducting field experiences, candidates will be offered guidance from highly knowledgeable and experienced faculty and field site mentors.

Portfolio Documentation

Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate candidates are required to develop a Portfolio over the course of their studies. The Portfolio is designed as a repository for documents and artifacts that demonstrate the evolution of professional competencies (knowledge and skill) acquired through course participation and field experiences. Candidates are encouraged to be creative in developing and personalizing Portfolios as a reflection of their unique professional experiences. Portfolios shared with prospective employers may ultimately give graduates an edge in finding meaningful work in the area of autism.

Portfolio Development

Candidates have the option of developing either an ePortfolio (web-based) or PDF version of the Portfolio. Portfolio contents include course documentation, field experience documentation and evaluations (View Example Portfolio Contents).

Portfolio Submission

Completed Portfolios are due by the end of November (Fall semester) or end of April (Spring semester) in order to file for the Award of the Certificate (see below) in the same semester. To submit the Portfolio, email a link or PDF to wolfberg@sfsu.edu (link sends e-mail)

Portfolio Review

Portfolios will be reviewed in the order that they are received by the due date of a given semester. Portfolios received after the due date will be reviewed at the start of the subsequent semester. Candidates will be notified and receive the Final Evaluation Report when Portfolio reviews are complete in advance of the filing deadline.

Filing for the Award of the Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate

Upon successful completion of the Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate requirements (following Portfolio review) candidates obtain and complete a new Certificate Approved Program (CAP) form (open the CAP form). Candidates may only submit the CAP the semester they graduate with their Master’s degree (this does not apply to students who possess a Master’s degree). The CAP must be turned in by the last week of classes (before finals week) in order to be processed in the same semester.

To obtain signatures on the CAP, candidates email the form to Dr. Pamela Wolfberg wolfberg@sfsu.edu (link sends email); the signed form will be forwarded for further processing. The Certificate will subsequently be sent directly to the graduate by mail. Note that the certificate may arrive separately from the graduate degree at a later date.

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